TRYMBPIETM 152: Succession (1)

The rain finally stopped, and the flames in the village gradually extinguished.

The air in Linghe Village was very fresh, the pollution cleared away by the dragon vein’s purification.

Daoist Du Ming’s mind was a bit confused. He couldn’t understand where the pure air that restored the dragon vein came from.

Xing Shuangzhan’s expression remained calm: “Do you think Qingzhou didn’t tell you that the dragon vein could be restored with pure air?”

Daoist Du Ming turned his head in a daze, paused for a moment, and suddenly had a realization: “Is it the reverse ritual formation used to fill in time?”

Although he didn’t know the exact principle, he quickly realized that Xing Su must be asking this because Chi Qingzhou had found a way to convert negative things into pure energy.

Chi Qingzhou needed enough materials to convert into pure energy —people anxious and discontent within the Paranormal Control Bureau, people full of malice online, even a ghost deity full of hatred for him, all of these were sources of materials.

Perhaps Chi Qingzhou hadn’t been sure he’d have enough pure energy at the beginning, which is why he had arranged for Xing Su to serve as a insurance.

Fortunately, everything developed in the best possible direction.

Daoist Du Ming took a deep breath, gazed steadily at Chi Qingzhou, and couldn’t help but say, “Mr. Chi really… used everything thoroughly.”

Upon hearing Du Ming’s voice, Chi Qingzhou turned and innocently blinked.

Daoist Du Ming chuckled.

He draped his whisk over his arm, bent down, and deeply bowed to Chi Qingzhou.

“Thank you for your hard work.”

…

The fire in Linghe Village had completely extinguished.

The entire village had turned into ruins, with not a single living person left inside.

The personnel from the Paranormal Control Bureau who arrived one after another took control of the situation. They interviewed Wanxiang’s members, and after signing confidentiality agreements, they took them in batches to see psychologists.

Chi Qingzhou and Xing Shuangzhan got into the car sent by the Paranormal Control Bureau, and the two coffins were placed in special containers, stored in another transport vehicle.

Song Yuzhi dazedly watched them get in the car, and suddenly jolted, instinctively calling out to Chi Qingzhou.

Chi Qingzhou turned his head. “What’s the matter, Teacher Song?”

“Uh…” Song Yuzhi froze for a moment, hesitating, and then squeezed out a sentence, “I just wanted to ask, what about the movie? Linghe Village is destroyed, and our filming this time…”

Chi Qingzhou responded with a soft “Oh,” and obediently answered, “Teacher Song, don’t worry. It should be finished. The materials are with Director Fang, you can go take a look.”

Song Yuzhi nodded absently, hesitated for a moment, but didn’t continue asking.

Chi Qingzhou patiently waited, then withdrew his gaze and told the driver they could go.

Song Yuzhi looked at the departing SUV, his expression even more complicated.

Ling Jiao, whose expression was equally complex, walked over and whispered, “Song Ge, Director Fang is calling you.”

Song Yuzhi glanced at Ling Jiao and nodded. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” Ling Jiao walked alongside him, lowering her voice to ask, “Song Ge, do you think Teacher Chi will continue staying in the industry?”

They were simply from different worlds.

Song Yuzhi understood the implication in Ling Jiao’s words, and after some hesitation, he said, “This… it depends on Teacher Chi’s decision.”

He paused, his tone carrying an unspeakable complexity. “I heard a rumor before that Teacher Chi might have entered the industry because he couldn’t find a job after graduating from university, and it was arranged by the Chi family.”

Given Chi Qingzhou’s relationship with the Chi family, now that everything was over, whether he left or stayed didn’t seem surprising.

Ling Jiao gave a soft “ah,” silently following Song Yuzhi as they headed toward the location of Fang Mingge.

Not far away, Cheng Shang saw this scene and raised his eyebrows in surprise.

He said to Fang Mingge, “Your crew’s actors and staff have pretty good mental fortitude. After such a big incident, they’re still calmly discussing what comes next.”

Their capacity for acceptance was too strong.

Fang Mingge froze for a moment, scanning the crew. They were gathered in small groups, some chatting, some signing agreements, some packing their things. Even though some seemed tense, no one had completely lost control.

The atmosphere in the entire crew, despite some chaos, was surprisingly relaxed.

For a moment, Fang Mingge was also stunned and confused.

Shen Wenxing, who had been talking to his cousin, glanced over when he heard the conversation and was immediately stunned.

He stammered, “Everyone in the crew… they’re all so calm…”

Shen Wenxu smiled, his eyes narrowing. “What else would they be?”

Cheng Shang and Fang Mingge both looked over at him instantly.

Shen Wenxu explained kindly, “When you were filming the first version of the movie, the crew encountered plenty of strange occurrences. The staff at the time practically faced the scene head-on and received even more shocks than the actors.”

Anyone who had survived must have stronger tolerance for abnormal events than most people.

As for the actors…

Shen Wenxu’s smile grew even wider. “Before we started filming, the actors participated in a variety show, and they’d faced abnormal events at least a few times. Their tolerance must have improved a lot.”

Most importantly, Chi Qingzhou had shown kindness and order on the variety show, giving everyone a great deal of confidence.

Even though later, something seemed off with Chi Qingzhou, in the end, he saved everyone. The atmosphere in the entire crew was relatively relaxed, and what’s wrong with that?

Shen Wenxing was quickly convinced, and Fang Mingge nodded.

Only Cheng Shang looked at Shen Wenxu deeply.

He knew that this explanation didn’t quite make sense.

The crew’s eerie calmness and ease were, of course, due to their rich experience, but more likely, it was because they had seen the shadow of Chi Qingzhou.

When their minds briefly encountered issues, their emotions and memories were also affected, and all their fears were taken away by Chi Qingzhou.

This was not a bad thing; it could even be considered Chi Qingzhou’s kindness.

In the future, when they wake up from their dreams at midnight, at least they won’t be repeatedly frightened and entangled by today’s experience, only leaving behind a faint surprise.

Cheng Shang did not refute Shen Wenxing reasoning. He smiled and nodded, acknowledging the explanation, and turned to look at the east, where the sun had already fully risen.

…

Inside the Paranormal Control Bureau.

A few of the Bureau’s leaders came forward to thank Chi Qingzhou and tentatively inquired about the shadow.

Chi Qingzhou didn’t beat around the bush: “Perhaps you’ve already read novels about spiritual energy’s revival ?Such events will only increase, and it may not be limited to just my case, so it’s better to prepare early.”

The leaders nodded repeatedly, asking Chi Qingzhou for more details, and then they asked, “Mr. Chi, would you be interested in taking a position with the Paranormal Control Bureau?”

Chi Qingzhou blinked: “I already have a job. I’m an artist. Also, I’m not good at face reading, divination, orthodox spells, formations, or talisman drawing, so I wouldn’t want to mislead others.”

The leaders were momentarily speechless, their expressions strange.

They cleared their throats and tentatively asked, “Then, Mr. Chi, would you be interested in an advisory position? It’s more of a part-time role.”

Chi Qingzhou shook his head, replying earnestly, “I’ll likely be filming in the future. I won’t have much time for a part-time job.”

The leaders: “…Ah.”

Even now, you still insist you’re an actor?

The leaders were hesitant to continue.

There were many things they wanted to say, but they couldn’t.

After some consideration, they changed the subject: “How about filming a public service advertisement? I heard from the old squad leader that there are a few ads missing actors.”

Chi Qingzhou immediately became interested: “Missing actors? I have time for that. How about I give you my agent’s contact?”

The leaders: “…”

The leaders: “Mm, okay.”

They took Guan Xihua’s contact information, briefly explained the situation to Chi Qingzhou, and then turned to look at Xing Shuangzhan, who was sitting silently, not speaking.

They thanked him as well, sincerely inviting him to join the Paranormal Control Bureau.

Xing Shuangzhan showed no interest and refused, saying he wanted to stay with Chi Qingzhou.

The leaders had no choice but to ask if he had any concerns, trying to save face.

Xing Shuangzhan glanced at Chi Qingzhou, coughed lightly, and said, “I’m not lacking in money. When I entered the tomb, the national master and my royal brother selected many burial items for me. However…”

He looked up, his expression slightly complicated. “Now, trading bronze artifacts is prohibited, and selling antiques is restricted. Most of my burial items can’t be converted into usable wealth.”

“But,” he emphasized his words, “recently, I’m preparing for marriage.”

The leaders: “…”

Ah, understood.

No wonder Daoist Du Ming said this ghost king was a love-stricken fool.

The leaders quickly smiled warmly, stood up, and congratulated him: “Congratulations, congratulations. Don’t worry about the wedding; it would be our honor to host it for you both.”

Xing Shuangzhan smiled: “There’s no rush. I haven’t proposed yet.”

He turned to look at Chi Qingzhou, who also smiled back at him.

Xing Shuangzhan’s gaze softened: “Since you all recognize Chi Qingzhou’s contributions, let’s first discuss the matter of recognition.”